Essential Oils for Spring

With spring approaching, now is the time to think about how you can benefit from essential oil therapy to alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms. As the weather begins to get warmer, plants and trees will start to bloom and produce the pollen that so many individuals have allergies to. Fortunately, there are essential oils available to help reduce the body’s response to these allergens and fight infections that may be associated with allergic reactions.

For the most part, essential oils that contain camphor as their chemical counterpart will help to open nasal passageways and assist in reducing or eliminating bacterial infections of the sinus cavity. This category of camphorous essential oils includes eucalyptus(Eucalyptus globulus), spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), white camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) and several others. Spicy essential oils such as cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and clove bud (Eugenia carophyllata) can effectively help reduce symptoms of sinusitis and upper respiratory infections when inhaled. Specific chemical components in each of these oils have been clinically studied and documented to show exceptionally high efficacy for their anti-microbial properties in the reduction of bacteria and viruses.

Runny nose is the result of overproduction of the mucous membranes. Essential oils that are mucolytic help to reduce the production of mucous and dry the sinuses. This is effective for chest congestion too, and can help reduce phlegm within the upper and lower respiratory areas. Essential oils that have been studied for their mucolytic effectiveness are cypress leaf (Cupressis sempervirens), peppermint (Mentha piperita), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and pine (Pinus sylvestris).

A synergistic blend of multiple essential oils is the best way to arm yourself with a true defense mechanism against allergens and infections. Inhaler blanks are one of the most frequently used methods of introducing essential oils to the sinuses; especially if different oils are used to create a blend. One thing to keep in mind is that essential oils are extracted from plants; some of these plants may be a factor in your seasonal allergies. Before we begin making an allergy blend for a customer, we assess their tolerance and reactions based on the inhalation of several essential oils. The inside of the nose contains receptors which are sensitive to histamine produced by not only plants, but from other organic sources as well. If histamine receptors start triggering a response, the oil should not be used in a therapeutic regimen.

With a plethora of essential oils to choose from, creating an individualized blend based on personal allergy needs can be a sure way to alleviate almost every symptom this season.